Pastor Rev

Rev. R. Tony Ricard, M.Th., M.Div., is a Priest for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Fr. Tony was pastor of Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish when the devastating Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. Currently Fr. Tony is teaching grade 7 students at an all male, all Black, Catholic middle and high school.

Fr. Tony is a native of New Orleans and a proud graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School and St. Augustine High School. He is a former New Orleans Public School teacher who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Loyola University, a Master of Theology degree from Xavier University’s Institute for Black Catholic Studies and a Master of Divinity degree from Notre Dame Seminary.

Fr. Tony is the author of the books, I Still Believe: A Testimony of Faith after the Storm, Don’t Be Stupid! Lessons You Should Already Know, and I Don’t Make Them Up! Reflections, Stories and Jokes from a Faithful Fool. He is also the co-author and editor of the book, MAXimum Faith: Prayers and Reflections by Young Katrina Survivors. He has given keynote addresses, retreats, revivals, and youth talks across the nation and throughout Canada; and has spoken in more than 20 countries. He has also served as the Catholic Chaplain for the New Orleans Saints since 2000.

Documentary on Fr. Tony Ricard:

A documentary film entitled Father Tony is an inspirational story of Father Tony Ricard, a black Creole Priest from New Orleans. For four years, independent producer Cynthia Capen and her camera crew followed and filmed the struggles and triumphs of Father Tony. Viewers will see a quite touching portrait of his unshakable faith during the most difficult test of his priesthood - the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.